San Francisco Chefs 2012 is San Francisco’s premier food, wine, and spirits festival. Mingle with master chefs, mixologists, winemakers and other culinary superstars! The Grand Tasting Tent on Union Square features over 200 of San Francisco’s finest restaurants, bars, distilleries, breweries & wineries. At venues throughout the City, you can attend classes, demonstrations, speakers and special parties.

WHERE: San Francisco’s legendary Union Square and venues throughout the City.
WHEN: July 21st-August 5th, 2012

Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). There may be nothing better than finishing a meal with a perfectly ripe peach or plum—but including these gems in a composed dessert takes stone fruits to a higher level. Pastry Chefs Francis Ang (Fifth Floor), and Luis Villavelazquez (La …

Presented by CBS5 and the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)

Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). Join Wise Sons chefs Evan Bloom and Leo Beckerman and Namu Gaji’s Dennis Lee for an exploration of this affordable technique for preserving and adding pizazz to your Farmers Market finds.

Presented by CBS5 and the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)

“Four-star restaurants don’t just happen, no matter how talented the chef. It’s a long process, as the chef matures, finds a culinary voice and transforms the other elements of the dining experience to support his vision.” – Michael Bauer, Restaurant Critic, San Francisco Chronicle

The Bay Area is home to many excellent chefs, but there are only nine that hold the four-star designation …

Presented by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Golden Gate Restaurant Association

Escape to Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia with illy’s Master Barista, Giorgio Milos. Explore the sustainably grown single origins of illy’s legendary coffee blend. This two-hour course will guide you through each flavor profile and distinct aroma, delivering a spectrum of discovery through the senses and into the marvelous world of coffee. A variety of preparation methods will be demonstrated, followed by a tasting of each MonoArabica. All attendees will take home a gift from illy …

Explore the full panoply of modernist cuisine with one of its premier exponents, Dave Arnold. Arnold is the Director of Culinary Technology at The International Culinary Center’s New York and California campuses. He is also an award-winning lecturer and contributing editor for equipment and food science at Food Arts and has been featured in Time, the New York Times, Esquire, the Economist and Popular Science, among other publications. Arnold will discuss and demo some of …

From synchronized service to dim sum delivery and all that lies in between, this diverse panel will discuss service in all its forms. Hailing from different venues, the panelists will offer perspectives on how they create experiences for their guests, as well as how a new demographic of restaurant-goer impacts service expectations. How has the definition of service changed as restaurants continue to evolve into new forms?

Must be 21 or over to attend. Advanced ticket purchase required.

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The San Francisco Chronicle’s 49 Square Miles Food Tour comes to life! Explore San Francisco’s most iconic restaurants and neighborhood gems while enjoying spectacular views of Union Square from the Imperial Floor of the Westin St. Francis. Celebrate the culinary diversity found in each square mile of our food-obsessed town. Enjoy San Francisco brews, California wines and handcrafted cocktails from the Campari America portfolio. To celebrate our great town we’ve asked pastry chefs to express …

The ingredients, techniques, textures and plating styles of Scandinavian cuisine are making their way into American restaurants. Toasted grains, wild foraged foods and preserved and fermented products are just a few of the ways in which chefs are channeling the spirit of Sweden and Denmark. Chefs also have been reaching into the larder of Hungary and other Central and Eastern European countries. These four talented Bay Area chefs will take you through their interpretations of …

Nominated by the readers of Eater SF, pairs of San Francisco’s best chefs will face off as they attempt to out-cook, out-plate and out-do one another in a race against the clock. With a mystery market basket of ingredients to tackle, which team will impress the judges? Our first round teams will serve …

Your restaurant is operating smoothly; guests are satisfied and returning often. What’s next? When is it time to dream bigger, whether it’s developing a product line, a food truck or a new location? How do you know what elements to take from a successful concept to grow your business? This leading group of restaurateurs will open up about their dreams, plans and experiences. Learn how they were able to overcome obstacles and stay motivated to …

The defining characteristic of a Bay Area chef? Fierce devotion to selecting the highest quality ingredients. Crucial to this process are the relationships chefs develop with farmers and purveyors. From the mechanics of finding provisions to the logistics of delivery, this lively panel will delve into the process chefs go through to source and stock the best product available. They’ll also discuss the decision to make certain products in-house.

VIP Ticket includes access to Opening Ceremony and first tastes in the Grand Tasting Tent at 6:00PM. Don’t miss the excitement of opening night! A food lovers paradise, the historic Union Square is filled with mouthwatering tastes from the city’s hottest restaurants, innovative handcrafted cocktails prepared by top mixologists and premier wines and beers from an exhilarating collection of wineries and breweries. Entertainment by Joey Altman & the Soul Peppers. Proceeds from the evening benefit …

East meets West as SF Chefs opening night continues Asian style! The official opening of the chic and newly redesigned E&O Asian Kitchen sets the scene for a hot and steamy after hours party. Late night bites from host Chefs Arnold Eric Wong and Sharon Nahm will be paired with Asian inspired libations from beverage director Carlos Yturria. Chef/DJ Hubert Keller will be at the turn tables, spinning tunes that will make you want to …

In France’s Northern Rhône Valley Syrah is king, and Côte Rôtie produces some of the most incredible examples of the varietal. Join Eileen Fabunan (Rhone Valley Wines), Shelley Lindgren (A16/SPQR) and Catherine Fallis, MS (aka grape goddess) for a special tasting to learn about how the unique soil and climate of the region make such a perfect marriage with this grape.

Chefs Marcus Samuelsson (Red Rooster Harlem) and Chris Cosentino (Incanto) join illy Master Barista, Giorgio Milos to create a menu inspired by the three single origins of illy’s original coffee blend: Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia. Cosentino will start off this three-dish session with an appetizer before Samuelsson demonstrates the main course. Milos will close out the meal with a sampling of illy coffee and pastries from The Culinary Institute of America Bakery Café by illy …

World-renowned chefs Gary Danko and Joanne Weir are heading to the kitchen for an exploration of one of summer’s sweetest gifts—corn. Weir brings the flavors of Mexico to life at her new Sausalito restaurant, Copita Tequileria y Comida. Danko continually impresses diners at Gary Danko with his unique style of modern American cuisine. Join them for a demonstration of recipes that will take this simple vegetable to a higher level.

The Bay Area is considered to be the birthplace of California cuisine—chefs here have always championed the local and seasonal ethos. Now more than 40 years since Alice Waters served her first plate of figs, chefs in Northern California continue to push against boundaries and expand the definition of California Cuisine. Chefs from a variety of culinary traditions will discuss how they view the cuisine of Northern California today and its impact on the culinary …

Wine Spectator’s Gwendolyn Osborn, Christie Dufault (Culinary Institute of America), Jesse Becker, MS (Périphérique Wine Merchants) and Nico Sciackitano (A16) will teach you what it takes to analyze wines in a blind tasting. You and the sommeliers will blind taste through a line-up of six different wines, each from different regions and grape varieties. Not even the sommeliers will know what they are tasting! Using the methodology of both Wine Spectator and these top sommeliers, …

VIP Ticket includes early access to the Grand Tasting Tent at 12:30PM. Celebrate the good life San Francisco style with a farm-fresh feast for the senses. The bounty of Northern California takes center stage as passionate chefs from the Bay Area’s most coveted restaurants wow guests with a thrilling selection of fresh, local and delicious dishes, accompanied by perfectly paired wines, beers and spirits. Savor generous samples from one end of the square to the …

For the first time ever, San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic Michael Bauer is opening up about his career, reviewing process and ultimate food cravings. In honor of his 25 years at the paper, Bauer will appear behind a screen for an intimate interview with legendary restaurateur Drew Nieporent. Bauer began his career at the Kansas City Star before becoming the restaurant critic and wine editor for the Dallas Times Herald. At The Chronicle, he oversees …

Settle in for afternoon Tea while you enjoy a seminar from the botanically minded Ambassadors of Hendrick’s Gin. Charlotte Voisey and Mark Stoddard trace the origins of this delightful daytime tradition and suggest unusually tasty enhancements poured straight from your teapot. This won’t be like the humdrum tea plates of yesteryear—if you’re searching for the extra marmalade it may well have be shaken into your cocktail. Come along to learn a little, taste a little …

The competition continues as pairs of San Francisco’s best chefs attempt to out-cook, out-plate and out-do one another in a race against the clock. With a mystery market basket of ingredients to tackle, which team will impress the judges? Our second round teams will serve a panel of esteemed judges that includes Carolyn …

VIP Ticket includes early access to the Grand Tasting Tent at 7:00PM The most delicious things happen after dark! The Grand Tasting Tent transforms into a steamy, sultry, sexy affair. Sip fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails while mingling with the chefs, winemakers and mixologists who make this delicious event possible. Dance into the night on the legendary Union Square. Entertainment by The Black Market Jazz Orchestra. Proceeds benefit Meals On Wheels of San Francisco, …

Get ready to party hop from the vibrant piazzas of Milan, to the laid-back beaches of the South Pacific, to the electric streets of Tokyo and the well-worn streets of the Barbary Coast as San Francisco-based Campari America curates an exuberant evening of worldly cocktails and James Beard worthy bites. Come ready to explore as the Bay Areas’ favorite bar personalities and chefs create unique spins on flavors and trends from across the globe. This …

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They’ve already proven themselves once—which team of chefs will take home the prize in our final round? Two talented duos will compete in the ultimate mystery ingredient cooking challenge to see who has what it takes to rise above the rest. Their fate will be in the hands of our judges: Carolyn Alburger (Eater), Anjan Mitra (Dosa), Margo True (Sunset) and Drew Nieporent. Lively commentary will be provided by our emcee, Liam Mayclem (Foodie Chap …

Start your morning off right with donuts! Learn from two local experts just how easy and satisfying it is to make donuts from scratch at home. Laurel Davis, head donut maker at Donut Savant in Oakland, will show you how to make traditional donuts in not-so-traditional shapes and flavors (think apple fritters). Thy Tran, food writer, culinary instructor, and founder of the Asian Culinary Forum, will share her secrets for a dim sum favorite: tender, …

The lesser known but impressive wine country of Iberia is producing many of the most exciting European wines today. Unique varietals, definitive terroir and a signature wine style free of international homogeneity combine to create a Portuguese wine imprint that always memorable from the first glass. Sommelier Eugenio Jardim will lead you through a master class tasting of six wines exploring a range of Portuguese bottlings. A not to miss eno-opportunity!

Chef Marcus Samuelsson and illy Master Barista Giorgio Milos will host an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, served with a selection of regional dishes. This traditional ceremony involves processing the raw, unwashed coffee beans into finished cups of coffee. Each guest will leave with a gift bag that includes a copy of Samuelsson’s new book, Yes, Chef and other coffee goodies. The acclaimed chef will be on hand afterwards to sign books.

Join Fine Cooking’s Senior Editor Denise Mickelsen, libation expert Camper English of Alcademics.com and bar stars Neyah White and Brooke Arthur for a pre-tent palate priming. We’ll discuss (and taste!) a delicious category of drinks that many Americans are unaware or wary of—aperitifs. These light, low-impact, before-dinner drinks are just the thing to prepare your taste buds for a full day of tasting. Don’t miss this lively discussion about what makes a great aperitif and …

The Antinori family has been making wine in Tuscany since 1385 – 100 years before Columbus sailed to America. Six centuries and 26 generations later Antinori remains a global leader. The family’s passion for Cabernet Sauvignon has led them to two groundbreaking Cabernet-focused projects in the United States: Col Solare, a joint venture with Chateau Ste. Michelle on Washington’s Red Mountain; and Antica Napa Valley, the family’s estate on Atlas Peak in Napa Valley. Join …

VIP Ticket includes early access to the Grand Tasting Tent at 12:30PM. What inspires San Francisco’s best chefs? Our trend-setting chefs, winemakers, brewers and mixologists will take you on an all-you-can-savor culinary adventure. Learn the stories behind the food as chefs share the dishes, flavors and ingredients that inspire them. Sip, savor and delight as some of the Bay Area’s most innovative chefs and experts share their secrets, live on the demo stage and in …

Decanter returned to Vinexpo New York to host another top masterclass with Elin McCoy showcasing New Zealand winners from the Decanter World Wine Awards 2018. For the second year Vinexpo New York returned to the Javits Exhibition Centre in Manhattan. The trade-only show took place on the 4th-5th March. Decanter hosted a masterclass featuring eight New Zealan […]

The winner Marc Almert Almert, from Germany, is the 16th winner of the world’s best sommelier competition since the event was founded in 1969. He is also one of the youngest to take the prize, at just 27 years old. He came out on top in a field of 66 candidates from 63 countries during an intense series of […] The post Meet the world’s best sommelier 2019 wi […]

Owners Jeffrey and Ellie Patterson had lined up the 22 wines on a long table in their light-filled home, with views of vines from every window and a panorama of Silicon Valley far below...Jeffrey Patterson was hired as Mount Eden's assistant winemaker in 1981 and was promoted two years later. Eleven vintages of Mount Eden's two Cabernets... The pos […]